Even if you have tested negative for a cow’s milk allergy, you may still develop hypersensitivity reactions to milk products. Excessive spitting and vomiting in infants can be treated by having them lie on their left side after eating – but never during sleep. It’s important to keep the baby uncovered to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In addition, for babies with reflux, smaller, more frequent feedings, thickening or changing infant formula, and eliminating cow’s milk and eggs from the mother’s diet for breastfed babies should be considered.
A cow’s milk allergy can also lead to other issues, including diaper rash and chronic constipation in up to 80% of affected children. While some children may test negative for a cow’s milk allergy, they may still experience negative reactions that can only be diagnosed through an elimination diet.
In addition to infant health, cow’s milk elimination has also been shown to be effective in treating eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic inflammatory condition of the esophagus. Research has shown that the elimination of cow’s milk in children with this condition led to remission in 65% of cases.
In adults, lactose intolerance is common, and milk products can cause issues such as acid reflux and heartburn. Food intolerance can also play a role in adult health, with cow’s milk being a main culprit for many people. A study conducted on reflux patients who could not fully control their symptoms with proton pump inhibitors showed that elimination diets based on food sensitivity significantly reduced symptoms, especially for those sensitive to milk products.
For more information on milk and child health, consider watching the videos below.